New England Patriots: Updated Game-by-Game Outlook for 2012

After dropping two in a row in Weeks 2 and 3, the New England Patriots have surged back to elite status and now sit atop the AFC East with a 3-2 record.

The emergence of an explosive running game led by second-year standout Stevan Ridley, the defense continuing to cause turnovers and, of course, the sound quarterbacking from Tom Brady have all played a part in this comeback.

As it stands today, the Patriots look like one of the most balanced teams in football, but can they keep it up with tough opponents like the Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers still on their schedule?

Here's a look ahead to each of the remaining games on New England's schedule.

Week 6 at the Seattle Seahawks

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On one hand, you have the Seattle Seahawks, who have emerged as one of the best, if not the best defensive team in the NFL, and on the other hand, you have the New England Patriots, who flex perhaps the most balanced offensive attack in all of football, showcasing both a lethal passing and rushing game.

Week 14 vs. the Houston Texans

A lot of folks—media and fans alike—have coined the Houston Texans as the best team in the AFC.

We’ve all heard it on the radio, TV, etc., and you can bet the Patriots have caught wind of this notion as well.

While the Texans have a defense that can slow down No. 12, led by the disruptive play of J.J. Watt, and an explosive offense that has enough gasoline to light up New England’s defense, this is the type of game the Patriots will really get fired up for.

This will be an AFC showdown to remember, and much like the Patriots vs. Ravens contest, this game will come right down to the wire.